Stuttgart sporting director Michael Reschke says the club are hopeful they can keep Benjamin Pavard for one more season.

The French defender impressed at the World Cup and has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich; and while Reschke admits Stuttgart are realistic about their finances, their objective would be to keep Pavard at the club another 12 months.

"Of course, as a professional club, we have to bear in mind our overall financial situation in the decision process," Reschke told ESPN FC. "Our absolute desire is for Benji to play another season for VfB with full conviction. The lad is a gift to our club."

Reschke did concede that the will of the player would ultimately play a huge factor in where Pavard would be spending the 2018-19 season.

"Of course, the key question is what Benji wants, how does he view the situation?" he added. "If necessary, we will in all serenity sit down with Benji, his parents and his agent Joseph Mohan and talk about his future.

"Benji had an exceptional season both for us and for France. We owe him the respect to discuss this with him and not publicly about him.

"Of course, Benji enjoys an extremely high standing with the club, his teammates, the coach and our fans. He has not only displayed top performances, he's also an outstanding bloke and player of great character who we wish only the best.

"Personally, I especially value his authenticity and easy-going nature. You have to pay a massive compliment to his parents, who are also lovely people themselves.

"But when Benji is on the pitch, he turns into a tough, totally focused worker who gives everything to ensure the team's success."